Correspondent
BIRSINGKI, Aug 21: A new book on the grammar of Tiwa language was released today at a function held at Chikdamakha Auditorium Hall under the Amri constituency of West Karbi Anglong. The book is expected to help the Tiwa language learners in understanding the form and functions of words in the language.
The inauguration ceremony was conducted by the Tiwa Mathonlai Tokhrah (TMT) or the Tiwa Sahitya Sabha. The chief guest of the day was TMT president Dependranath Bordoloi, while KAAC EM D. Uphing Maslai and the author of the book Dr. Virginia Dawsong (Australia) attended as guests of honour. Former TMT president Mohewsar Pator, Sarat Pator, Jokesor Bordoloi, Hursing Kholar, Lalsing Madar, Biyut Bikas Senapati and several other prominent Tiwas were also present.
The book has been named “Introduction of Tiwa Grammar”. Its writer Dr. Virginia Dawson of Australia is currently working in the USA as an Associate Professor of Linguistics at Western Washington University. She first came to Umswai (Amri) in 2012 when she was studying at the Australian National University. After that, she did her MA and Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of California.
On her visit to Amri, Dr. Virginia met local Tiwas and discussed the need for a grammar book. Hence, after years of hard work from her side, and the cooperation from the Tiwas, the book has been officially released today. She had even learned to speak the language.